Lawn & Garden Checklist

• Layer grapes and continue spray programs. • Thin apples and peaches if too thick.

• Lace bugs may be a problem on azaleas, pyracanthas, dogwoods, cherry laurels, and other shrubs. • Water as needed. Fertilize now. • Keep long shoots from developing by pinching out tips. • Take cuttings from semi-mature wood for rooting.

• Apply 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass. Skip this month for fertilizing centipedegrass and zoysiagrass. • If dollar spot disease is detected, reduce water and fertilizer • Mow often (5 to 10 days) to remove just 1/3 the grass height at each mowing. • Water lawns as needed (grayish color or curling leaf blades). • Planting may continue if soil is moist.

• Keep old flower heads removed to promote continued flowering. Plant garden mums if not already in. • For compact mums, keep tips pinched out. • Monitor for insects and diseases. • Fertilize with water-soluble fertilizer for a mid-season boost.

• Foliage may be removed from spring bulbs if it has yellowed and is becoming dry. • Watch for aphids and thrips on summer bulbs.

• If scale insects continue on shrubs, use materials other than oils. • Set house plants on porch or outdoors in shade and pay close attention to the need for water. • If desired, air layer house plants.

• Whole state: Continue plantings of beans, sweet corn, southern peas, melons, and okra.

• Whole state: Continue planting April transplant crops.

• Protect figs and other ripening fruit from birds.

• Continue to root shrub cuttings until late in the month and mulch to keep soil moist. • Remove faded blooms promptly from crape myrtle and other summer-blooming plants.

• Apply 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to all warm-season lawn types: bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass. • Mow often (5 to 10 days) to remove just 1/3 the grass height at each mowing. • Water lawns as needed (grayish color or curling leaf blades).

• Keep roses healthy and actively growing. • Apply fertilizer. • Wash off foliage to prevent burning if any fertilizer falls on plants.

• Water as needed to keep plants active. • Deadhead or cut back for later summer blooms.

• Plant iris and spider lilies late this month.

• Keeping flowers, shrubs, trees, and lawns healthy is the major task this month. • Observe closely for insects and diseases. • Water as plants indicate need.

• Whole state: Plant pumpkins for fall harvest. Continue plantings of beans, southern peas, squash, and cucumber. • North: Plant cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower. Wait until late July to plant beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collards, and kohlrabi, or start them in flats for transplant later. • South and Central: Start seeds in flats for August and September transplants, including beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, kale, lettuce, mustard, radishes, and spinach.

• Whole state: Plant a second season of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant for fall harvest. • North: Plant certified seed potatoes for

Irish and red-skinned varieties in late

July.